Hearing today in challenge to Ark. gay marriage ban

Little Rock, Ark. (AP) — Advocates of ending Arkansas' ban on same-sex marriage are to make their case before a circuit judge in Pulaski County.

More than three dozen people are listed as plaintiffs in the lawsuit challenging Arkansas' voter-approved ban on gay marriage. Circuit Judge Chris Piazza is to preside over the hearing at 1 p.m. Thursday in Little Rock.

Late last year, Piazza refused to grant a motion by the state that sought to dismiss the lawsuit, but he also refused to grant a motion by the couples suing, who asked him to block enforcement of the ban.

The plaintiffs include 21 same-sex couples and a woman who wants to dissolve her New York marriage to another woman.

Voters passed a 2004 constitutional amendment stipulating marriage is between one man and one woman.

Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

The Gayly – April 17, 2014 @ 9:20am